Luke 7:24-28
"And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye our for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yes, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he," Luke 7:24-28.
All of us have preferences and preconceived notions in all things that pertain to life. We see this with the vehicles we drive, clothes we wear, food we eat, places we go, etc. Some of these preferences are limited due to location or funds, but nonetheless we have things set in our minds of what we like and how we think something should be. These preferences can come from parents, grandparents, or traditions of men, and so much more. We will view the world through those lenses. This is why it is very important who it is that teaches us and our children. The religious leaders of Johns' day were the main ones influencing the people. How they looked, how they conducted themselves, how they prayed, and how they sounded became the religious expectation for the people. It is so easy for us to get caught in a rut, and not realize it. I am not implying that we should be all over the place, structure and discipline in our lives are very important, but what do we expect from the church service, and from the speaker? Is what we expect biblical, or traditions of men? John the Baptist was a shock to the people, not only because of where he ministered and how he ministered, but mainly because he proclaimed the truth. Truth does shock people. Where is what you believe about the bible in the bible?
"And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" Luke 7:24. Jesus waited until the messengers of John were departed before He spoke about John. This He did so as not to be guilty of flattery (Proverbs 29:5; Romans 16:18). It is important that we encourage each other, but to flatter someone is to take advantage of them. Someone who is extremely prideful is easily flattered, and easily taken advantage of. Flattery is a sin, and it causes the one being flattered to fall into sin (Proverbs 7:21). Follow the example of Jesus and do not be a flatterer.
In verse 24 Jesus is again provoking the people to think. What kind of man were they expecting? Were they expecting an unstable man influenced by the winds of pragmatism? Were they expecting the religious elites to push John around? Were they expecting a timid man scared to offend people with the truth? Or were they expecting a man called by God to preach God's message? Did John meet their preferences? What John preached would shock the people who followed mans traditions, what he wore would also shock them.
"But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately are in kings' courts," Luke 7:25. Jesus Christ is reminding the people facts about John the Baptist. He is provoking them to remember why they went to hear John preach and why they were baptized of him. They didn't go because of his clothes, his voice, or because of his place in society. There was nothing about John's looks or sounds that would draw people to him. John was not elegant, not proper, and he had not been to any of the religious schools of that day. John was different than all others. John was not focused on riches or popularity. John came into the world for one purpose, to be the forerunner of Christ. John was obedient, even unto death. He did not change his message.
"But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet," Luke 7:26. How often do we not realize how blessed we are to live during the time that we live. These people lived when John the Baptist and Jesus Christ walked this earth and preached the whole counsel of God, but most of them did not recognize that blessing. You and I have also lived during a time of faithful people. People like John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul, Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, D. M. Lloyd-Jones, A. W. Pink, and so many people the world will never know. We also have access to preaching that the world has never had before. Are we taking advantage of this blessing?
John the Baptist was more than just a prophet (Luke 7:27). He was the forerunner of Christ (Malachi 4:5-6, Luke 1:13-17, 76-80).
"For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he," Luke 7:28. Though John never worked a miracle, he was still considered greater than all the prophets before him. Let that sink in for a second. John Gill had this to say regarding the greatness of John the Baptist, "The uncommonness of his birth, his being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb, his exemplary life, the excellency of his doctrine; and especially, his work and office, as the harbinger of Christ, and the preparer of his ways," Those who are least in the kingdom of God is greater than John not in their persons, but in different degrees of light and doctrine. How much more did the apostles know than John the Baptist? How much more do we know? We have the whole counsel of God.
The ministry of John the Baptist was short, but in the eyes of God it was successful. I don't know if we realize how much opposition John had against him. When we live for Christ we will have opposition. When we stand against sin we will have opposition. When we lovingly proclaim God's Word we will have opposition. How will we respond? John was mocked, ridiculed, persecuted, and martyred for Christ; yet he was biblical and faithful. What do you think John heard as soon as his head was severed from his body? "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world," Matthew 25:34. Though we are blessed to be living in America at this time, we still have to fight with our flesh to serve the Lord (Romans 7). Aren't you thankful we don't have to fight our flesh alone? "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you," I Peter 5:7.
Our Lord and Saviour is good and faithful. Has He saved your soul? He came to save sinners by dying on the cross as the Substitute for all who have and will believe. Send questions and comments to richardsonbaptistchurch@gmail.com. Soli Deo Gloria.
